A2 MEDIA STUDIES G325 SECTION B CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES COLLECTIVE IDENTITY THE REPRESENTATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA

KEY TERMS 2 - COLLECTIVE IDENTITY What is Collective Identity?

Collective Identity can be described as the following: y A collective identity refers to individuals' sense of belonging (the identity) to a group (the collective). y Collective identity is the name given to the tendency of many social movements to form a group self-image shaped by, but in turn shaping the consciousness of, individual participants. y Collective identity is the term given to a group of individuals who share a common characteristic, values, beliefs, attitudes with others of the same group

Task 1 Vox Pops Different Collective Identities

y y We are going to watch some people discuss the different collective groups they are part of and their corresponding collective identities. As you watch the Vox pops, write down the different groups mentioned and any characteristics that identify that group. Vox Pop Collective Groups mentioned Shared Characteristics

A2 MEDIA STUDIES G325 SECTION B CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES COLLECTIVE IDENTITY THE REPRESENTATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA

Task 2 Thinking about Collective Groups you belong to

y We have listened to what other people think about collective groups and those they belong to, now it s your turn Think about all of the collective groups you belong to. Fill out the grid below and see if you belong to any collective groups not yet discussed:

Collective Group I Belong To

Shared Characteristics

A2 MEDIA STUDIES G325 SECTION B CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES COLLECTIVE IDENTITY THE REPRESENTATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA

COLLECTIVE IDENTITY & STEREOTYPES

The Theorist David Buckingham has recently edited a book about identity and young people. In it he identifies a number of ideas about the problems with discussing identity and collective identity.

Task 3 BUCKINGHAM THEORY

o We are going to read through 2 quotes about Identity and Collective Identity from Buckingham. Quote 1: on the one hand, Identity is something unique to each of uswe assume it is more or less consistent over timeour identity is something we uniquely possess: it is what distinguishes us from other people. Yet on the other hand, identity also implies a relationship with a broader collective or social groupwhen we talk about national identity, cultural identity or gender identitywe imply that our identity is partly something we share with other people. Here, identity is about identification with others whom we assume are similar to us in some significant ways.
Ed Buckingham; Youth, Identity & Digital Media , 2008

In the box below, summarise what Buckingham means in the quote above:

Quote 2: in seeking to define their identity, people attempt to assert their individuality, but also to join with others, and they work to sustain a sense of status or self-esteemAs a result, the formation of identity often involves a process of stereotypingthat allows people to distinguish between themselves and their group
Ed Buckingham; Youth, Identity & Digital Media , 2008

o Summarise below what this tells us about identity, collective identity and why it is complicated?

A2 MEDIA STUDIES G325 SECTION B CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES COLLECTIVE IDENTITY THE REPRESENTATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA

AN OVERVIEW OF BUCKINGHAM S IDEAS ABOUT IDENTITY, COLLECTIVE IDENTITY & STEREOTYPING

o The representation of Collective Identity is closely linked to the production of stereotypes. o A collective group is made up of lots of different people who share ONE characteristic, so although these groups are made up of individuals who are all different, they are easy to STEREOTYPE and attach specific MESSAGES & VALUES to. o In stereotyping different collective groups, their shared behaviour becomes normalised and generalised it then weakens the individual identity of the people within the group and reinforces one aspect about their identity this creates a paradox.

TASK 4 GROUP DISCUSSION TASK

In your groups, discuss the question below, writing down your ideas in the box with some reasons for your answer:

What is more important to you, your personal identity or your collective identity?